Sunday Star-Times

Fugitive from Oz in more strife

- CRAIG HOYLE

A Kiwi man accused of assaulting multiple people has been arrested following an attack in South Auckland after he fled similar charges in Australia.

Peato Talamaivao allegedly assaulted a woman and her brother after a boozy night of partying on Good Friday.

The man who was assaulted alleged Talamaivao became abusive and threatenin­g after consuming a potent mix of vodka, beers, and home-brewed whiskey.

The man asked not to be named to protect his family’s privacy.

His sister had known Talamaivao for years, and he moved in with her following his return to Auckland.

Police confirmed a 47-year-old man has been charged with male assaults female and assault with intent to injure.

It’s at least the third time Talamaivao has faced court for domestic violence.

In August 2016, the scaffolder was arrested in Queensland and charged with assault and contravent­ion of a domestic violence order.

The order related incident involving

His visa was also revoked, but his passport was not confiscate­d, meaning he was able to flee Australia before facing court.

New Zealand police said they were yet to receive any request for to an his earlier thenpartne­r. assistance from Queensland, where extraditio­n proceeding­s were being considered.

The man who was attacked along with his sister on Good Friday said Talamaivao boasted he was famous following media coverage of the Queensland attack.

‘‘He almost thought it was funny,’’ the man said

When contacted in March, Talamaivao insisted he was innocent of the Queensland assault.

‘‘I wasn’t given the chance to prove my case, but it is what it is,’’ he said in a text message.

Talamaivao acknowledg­ed that he was arrested on Good Friday but did not want to elaborate on the incident when contacted.

He is set to appear at the Manukau District Court on May 16.

 ??  ?? Peato Talamaivao’s alleged victims said he was leaving a trail of destructio­n on both sides of the Tasman.
Peato Talamaivao’s alleged victims said he was leaving a trail of destructio­n on both sides of the Tasman.

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